Have you installed a flashlight app to transform your camera flash into a convenient tool for wandering around in the dark? If so, it’s time to rethink that decision! According to Snoopwall, a leading security firm, the top 10 flashlight apps available on the Google Play Store are made with malicious intent.

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So what exactly makes the top 10 flashlight apps dangerous? Aside from the obvious, which is stealing confidential data, these apps have permissions that go above and beyond what’s necessary for turning a light on and off:

3 of the 10 apps can determine the user’s location.

4 of the 10 apps can write or delete the contents of USB storage.

10 of the 10 apps can take or delete photos and videos.

Of course, you might be tempted to simply delete the flashlight app and move on; however, this might not be enough to keep your confidential data safe. In fact, once one of the apps is installed, it’s continuously snooping, spying, and stealing information, even after you’ve deleted it.

How does this work? That’s simple, once you’ve downloaded one of the malicious flashlight apps, a Trojan is installed onto your smartphone; and even if you delete the app, you’re not deleting the Trojan, which means the cybercriminal is still accessing your smartphone!

So You’ve Accidentally Downloaded a Malicious Flashlight App – What Can You Do to Remove the Trojan & Protect Yourself?

If you’ve downloaded one of the top 10 flashlight apps, here’s a simple yet effective list of steps to help you protect yourself:

Delete the app: This is the first and perhaps the most important step – delete the app as soon as possible.

Back up your data: Back up any important contacts, photos, notes, or other information that should be kept.

Perform a factory reset: Go to the mobile carrier that sold the phone to you, and ask them to factory reset the phone.

Once you’ve completed this list of steps, go to the hardware store and simply buy a flashlight! For those who prefer to use an app, you’re in luck! Snoopwall has created a mobile flashlight app known as Privacy Flashlight, which is safe against malicious tools used to collect data.

Keep in mind, malicious apps, such as flashlight apps, are the backdoors into our homes and our lives. If you have family members of friends who use mobile device apps often, please share this article to keep them safe against potentially dangerous malicious activity.

Looking for more tips to help you stay safe against mobile malware? Give us a call at (613) 634-8125 or send us an email at info@onserve.ca. OnServe is the preferred IT support company for businesses in Kingston, Ottawa and Eastern Ontario.

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OnServe is an IT Support and Computer Services company based in Kingston and Brockville Ontario. We provide services across Ontario. Cities we serve include Ottawa, Cornwall, Napanee, Belleville, Toronto, Oshawa, Mississauga, Oakville, Hamilton and the Niagara Region. We know what businesses need in order to run highly-effective organizations. Technology is a critical ingredient in your recipe for success.